Comments on: There Must Be Division

By: ed

ed — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 13:33:49 +0000

Randy and Makeesha, thanks for adding on. I think this is a good place for Christians to wrestle. Isn’t it easy to point to Paul and say, “Look! Paul approves division sometimes and so we can do the same now!”

I left my post a big vague and open-ended with the hopes of kindling some discussion. I think Randy’s got it: unity can happen in the midst of disagreements.

By: Randy

Randy — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 17:12:27 +0000

I’ve put alot of thought into this so if you will entertain me.
1 Corinthians 11:19 to me is only saying that there is division in that particular situation. It by no means authenticates the division taking place today(even though I know it exist). If someone is right about something then that shows there is opposition which implies division. This does not say it is always good or needed.

I beleive that your example of church discipline is exactly what it is for. In the context of a Church(gathering of people). I’m just saying we have to remember there is the context of “the body” or “the family of god” that is made up of all Christians through out time. When Paul went to Corinth he preached “Christ and Him crucified.” We must unite on this.

Your refference to John 17 was great because it is Jesus saying with his very own mouth that in order for people to know I am legit you must have unity.

You say Paul mentions division. I see more talk about unity, brotherly love. Galatians 6:9-10, Ephesians 4:3-6, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18
, 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12…

I personally don’t see it as having to emphasis one(unity) or the other(doctrine). To me unity is a totaly different context than disagreements(within orthodoxy). Unity is about how we act in spite of of differences.

We have differences but not division
We have preferences but not prejudices
We have varying methods but the same principles

Again I apologize for blogging on your property. But this is something I have questioned my self and struggled with. Hope it made some sense.

BTW I love the WP theme.

By: Makeesha

Makeesha — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 18:48:02 +0000

I’m torn here.

I agree with you very much that “division” is necessary. I think perhaps though where I might disagree is how I define division.

I think that division is more a motive than a specific action or belief.

If one is intending to divide (and you can usually tell pretty easily), then it can be a seemingly tiny insignificant thing that requires confronting. Whereas if someone is sincerely questioning even *if* they are teaching wrong doctrine, as long as their heart is not intent on being divisive, then I think it’s ok.

Because here’s the problem if you take this “protecting the doctrine” too far - you get controlling leaders who kick people out at the very slightest disagreement and do it in the name of unity - - when really it’s conformity and compliance that they want.

Division can often be a very good thing as long as it’s done well with love and respect, honoring the other.